Connecting OAuth in GoHighLevel and Troubleshooting Complex Scenarios

Background and Purpose

This SOP provides a step-by-step guide to connect OAuth in GoHighLevel at both the agency and sub-account levels, including solutions for common troubleshooting issues. This applies to agencies using the 297/497 GoHighLevel plans, managing multiple sub-accounts, or operating AI automation agencies.

Benefits of Proper OAuth Configuration

  • Seamless CRM integration with buildassistants.app
  • Automated data synchronization across all sub-accounts
  • Centralized management of multiple client accounts
  • Reduced manual setup for new sub-accounts
  • Reliable AI assistant functionality across all connected accounts
  • Consistent user experience for all clients

Required Resources

Prerequisites

  • GoHighLevel Login Credentials (Agency & Sub-Accounts)
  • Incognito Browser or Standard Browser
  • Access to Agency Settings and Sub-Account Marketplace
  • Stable Internet Connection
  • buildassistants.app account with OAuth capabilities

Account Requirements

  • GoHighLevel 297/497 plan or higher
  • Agency-level access for centralized management
  • Sub-account permissions for direct connections
  • Admin rights for OAuth configuration

OAuth Connection Methods

Method Overview

There are two primary approaches to OAuth connection:
  1. Agency-Level Integration - Connects all sub-accounts under agency control
  2. Direct Connection - Individual sub-account connections for external or stubborn accounts

1. Agency-Level OAuth Integration

Purpose

Connect all sub-accounts within your agency through a centralized OAuth integration.

Step-by-Step Process

Access Agency Settings

  1. Navigate to Agency-Level Settings
    • Go to Home or Settings > Integrations
    • Ensure you’re logged into the main agency account

Initiate OAuth Connection

  1. Click on the relevant OAuth option for buildassistants.app
  2. Log in when prompted (ensure credentials are correct)
  3. Grant all required permissions during the OAuth flow

Confirm Successful Connection

  1. Look for visual confirmation:
    • Green link icon appears next to connected sub-accounts
    • Connection status shows as “Active”
    • OAuth scope includes all necessary permissions

Troubleshooting Agency-Level Issues

Connection Not Appearing:
  1. Use incognito browser to eliminate cache issues
  2. Access platform directly through app.gohighlevel.com (not white-labeled domain)
  3. Clear browser cache and cookies
  4. Try different browser if issues persist
Partial Connection:
  1. Verify agency permissions are sufficient
  2. Check sub-account ownership within agency
  3. Review OAuth scope for completeness

2. Sub-Account OAuth Integration

Purpose

Connect individual sub-accounts that belong to your agency but may not sync automatically.

Identification Process

Check Sub-Account Status

  1. Log into the sub-account under the agency
  2. Look for indicators:
    • Red banner stating “No Active CRM Connection”
    • Missing integration in settings
    • Error messages about connectivity

Agency-Level Connection Method

  1. Go to agency workspace in buildassistants.app
  2. Click “Connect Accounts”
  3. Select target sub-account from the list
  4. Wait for automatic synchronization

Success Indicators

  • Red banner disappears from sub-account
  • Green link icon appears in agency dashboard
  • Integration status shows as “Connected”

Handling Stubborn Accounts

When Agency-Level Fails

Some sub-accounts may resist automatic connection. In these cases:
  1. Log in directly to the problematic sub-account
  2. Navigate to Settings > Integrations
  3. Select “Connect to GHL (Direct Connection)”
  4. Complete OAuth flow for that specific account

Verification Steps

  • Check connection status in both agency and sub-account views
  • Test functionality with a simple API call
  • Verify data synchronization is working correctly

3. Connecting Sub-Accounts Outside the Agency

Purpose

Connect sub-accounts that are not owned by your agency but require integration with buildassistants.app.

When This Applies

  • Client accounts from other agencies
  • Transferred accounts with ownership changes
  • External partnerships requiring integration
  • Multi-agency collaboration scenarios

Direct Connection Process

Access External Account

  1. Go to app.gohighlevel.com
  2. Log into the external sub-account using provided credentials
  3. Verify account access and permissions

Initiate Direct Connection

  1. Navigate to Settings > Integrations
  2. Click “Connect GHL (Direct Connection)”
  3. Important: Do NOT use agency-level integration for external accounts

OAuth Configuration

  1. Select the specific sub-account from OAuth popup
  2. Ensure correct account is highlighted
  3. Grant all required permissions
  4. Complete OAuth authorization flow

Confirmation

  1. Verify green link icon appears
  2. Test connection with buildassistants.app
  3. Confirm data access is working properly

4. Troubleshooting Complex OAuth Issues

Common Problem Scenarios

Accounts Refusing Connection

Symptoms:
  • OAuth flow fails repeatedly
  • Connection appears successful but doesn’t work
  • Intermittent connectivity issues
Solutions:
  1. Verify account ownership:
    • Check if sub-account belongs to your agency
    • Confirm permissions are adequate
    • Review account transfer history
  2. Switch to Direct Connection:
    • Use individual account login
    • Bypass agency-level integration
    • Complete OAuth flow directly
  3. Check account status:
    • Ensure account is active
    • Verify subscription status
    • Confirm no billing issues

Sub-Accounts Outside Agency Scope

Symptoms:
  • Account doesn’t appear in agency dashboard
  • “Account not found” errors
  • Permission denied messages
Solutions:
  1. Use Direct Connection method (Step 3 above)
  2. Verify external account credentials
  3. Confirm account owner permissions
  4. Check for account restrictions

”You Don’t Own This Account” Error

Common Causes:
  • Transferred accounts with incomplete ownership changes
  • Shared accounts with multiple agency access
  • Archived accounts that were reactivated
Solutions:
  1. Use Direct Connection instead of agency integration
  2. Verify current account ownership with GoHighLevel support
  3. Request proper account transfer if needed
  4. Check account permissions and roles

OAuth Token Issues

Symptoms:
  • Connection works initially but fails later
  • Intermittent authentication errors
  • “Token expired” messages
Solutions:
  1. Refresh OAuth tokens:
    • Go to Agency-Level Settings
    • Find “Reset Connection” option
    • Re-authorize OAuth connection
  2. Clear cached tokens:
    • Log out of all GoHighLevel accounts
    • Clear browser cache
    • Re-establish connections
  3. Update OAuth scope:
    • Ensure all required permissions are granted
    • Check for new permission requirements
    • Re-authorize with updated scope

Advanced Troubleshooting

Multiple Browser Testing

  • Test with different browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
  • Use incognito/private mode to eliminate cache issues
  • Disable browser extensions that might interfere
  • Check for popup blockers preventing OAuth flow

Network and Connectivity

  • Test with different internet connections
  • Check firewall settings that might block OAuth
  • Verify DNS resolution for GoHighLevel domains
  • Test API connectivity independently

Account Verification

  • Confirm account is in good standing
  • Check subscription status and billing
  • Verify no security restrictions on account
  • Review recent account changes or transfers

Visual Connection Indicators

Success Indicators

  • Green link icon next to sub-account name
  • “Connected” status in integration settings
  • Removal of red warning banners
  • Successful API test calls

Failure Indicators

  • Red banner stating “No Active CRM Connection”
  • Missing green link icon
  • Error messages in integration settings
  • Failed API authentication

Definition of Done

The OAuth configuration process is complete when:
  • All relevant sub-accounts (agency and external) display a green link icon
  • “No Active CRM Connection” banner is removed from all accounts
  • Accounts are successfully connected via Agency or Direct OAuth Integration
  • API connectivity is verified and functional
  • Data synchronization is working correctly
  • buildassistants.app functionality is fully operational across all connected accounts

Testing and Validation

Connection Testing

  1. API Test Calls:
    • Test basic account information retrieval
    • Verify calendar access functionality
    • Confirm contact management capabilities
  2. Functionality Testing:
    • Test AI assistant integration
    • Verify workflow automation
    • Confirm real-time data synchronization
  3. Error Handling:
    • Test with invalid requests
    • Verify proper error messages
    • Confirm graceful failure handling

Maintenance and Monitoring

Regular Maintenance

  • Monthly OAuth token health checks
  • Quarterly connection verification
  • Monitor for authentication errors
  • Update OAuth scope as needed

Monitoring Best Practices

  • Set up alerts for connection failures
  • Track API success rates
  • Monitor authentication logs
  • Document connection issues and resolutions

FAQ

What should I do if my OAuth fails repeatedly?

A: Use the Direct Connection method and verify account ownership. If issues persist, try using an incognito browser and accessing through app.gohighlevel.com directly.

Can I connect a sub-account that is not owned by my agency?

A: Yes, use Direct Connection by logging into the external sub-account directly and completing the OAuth flow. Do not attempt agency-level integration for external accounts.

What if I see “You Don’t Own This Account”?

A: This typically occurs with transferred accounts or shared access scenarios. Use the Direct Connection process and verify account ownership with GoHighLevel support if needed.

How do I confirm a successful connection?

A: Look for the green link icon next to the sub-account, removal of red warning banners, and successful API test calls in buildassistants.app.

How often do I need to refresh OAuth tokens?

A: OAuth tokens typically last 60-90 days, but connections should remain stable. Only refresh if experiencing authentication errors or connection failures.

Can I connect multiple agencies to one buildassistants.app account?

A: Yes, but each agency requires separate OAuth configuration. Use Direct Connection for external agencies and Agency-Level Integration for your primary agency.

Best Practices

Security Considerations

  • Use strong, unique passwords for all GoHighLevel accounts
  • Enable two-factor authentication where available
  • Regularly review OAuth permissions and scope
  • Monitor access logs for unauthorized activity

Organizational Tips

  • Document all connected accounts and their connection method
  • Maintain a connection troubleshooting log
  • Train team members on proper connection procedures
  • Establish regular maintenance schedules

Performance Optimization

  • Connect accounts during low-usage periods
  • Test connections thoroughly before going live
  • Monitor API rate limits and usage
  • Implement proper error handling in integrations
This comprehensive OAuth configuration guide ensures reliable, secure connections between GoHighLevel and buildassistants.app across all account types and scenarios.